Never thought of routing India 4-0 in ODI series, says NZ coach

Wellington: New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said that his side never thought of routing a quality team like India 4-0 in the just-concluded ODI series and felt the unexpected triumph would be a confidence booster for the Black Caps in the two-match Test series beginning Thursday.

"Even in our wildest dreams we didn't think we could win 4-0 against such a quality side," a fired-up Hesson said as New Zealand turned their sights towards the Tests series.

"We know it's a different format (Tests), and there'll be a few new guys, but we'll definitely take some confidence into the Tests," he said.

The first Test starts in Auckland next Thursday while the second will be played here from February 14-18.

The gulf between the two sides on the ODI rankings table may be vast but New Zealand showed it mattered little as they wrapped up the series with an emphatic 87-run victory in the fifth and final match.

After the ODI series, India dropped from first to second in the ICC rankings while New Zealand gained a spot from eighth to seventh.

It is a similar margin at Test level where India are number two with New Zealand in eighth place, but Hesson said his players proved in the ODIs that was no barrier.

"It's all very well having plans but you need quality players to execute them and we certainly saw that. It was as good as it gets really from a coach's point of view," he said.

"A number of different players stood up throughout the series at key times. At times we bowled really well but at the same time we have to back ourselves to play the shots, the kind of cricket, that we're known for," he said.

"You may lose a few games but it's also important to see the kind of attitude you bring and try to play aggressive cricket. Even if you get out you get out. What's important is to have a positive intent right from the start," he added.